What is the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence?

Direct evidence is evidence that is presented in court that supports a fact. It is direct proof of a fact, such as a witness testimony or a physical item. Circumstantial evidence is indirect evidence that requires an inference to be made in order to support a fact. This can include items such as a suspect’s clothing, or the location where an alleged crime occurred. In Virginia, direct evidence is preferable in court. The court will most likely give more weight to direct evidence because it doesn’t require any assumptions to be made. Circumstantial evidence requires more interpretation to support a fact, so the court is less likely to rely on it as much. For example, if a witness saw a suspect commit a crime, that would be direct evidence. However, if a witness saw the suspect near the scene of the crime shortly before it happened, that is circumstantial evidence. The court would most likely rely on the direct evidence to prove the suspect’s guilt. Ultimately, the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence comes down to how the evidence is used to support a fact. Direct evidence is considered more reliable because it requires little interpretation. Circumstantial evidence requires more inference and can be seen as less reliable.

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What is the difference between direct and circumstantial evidence?

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